New Clients

*It is kindly requested that new clients contact Z.E.N. Pet Care a minimum of 7 days prior to initial visit in order to ensure ample time for scheduling a consultation and to determine availability.  With less than 4 days notice, it is highly unlikely that a new client can be booked.

*Please provide two working copies of house keys at the consultation.  Your keys will remain in a lockbox at Z.E.N. headquarters to ease with future bookings.  Any other arrangements (key under the doormat, door left unlocked, key left with a neighbor, etc.) are strongly discouraged.  If you choose to utilize other arrangements, all liability of Z.E.N. Pet Care is negated, as we cannot be certain who is responsible if a door is left unlocked or property is damaged. 

*"Regularly booked" indicates a client that is walked on the same days each week (i.e. Every Wednesday, Monday-Friday or Tuesdays & Thursdays)

Booking & Canceling

*The earlier you contact us to schedule service, the more likely it is that we will be able to accommodate.  Generally, it is helpful to have a minimum of 7 days notice for weekend bookings and a minimum of 3 days notice for weekday visits.

*Late Booking Fee: $10

This flat fee applies to any service booked less than 24 hours prior to initial visit.

*Cancellations:

Before 9am the day before scheduled service: No Fee

Before 9am the day of scheduled service: Half Fee

      *Regularly booked daily dog-walking clients can cancel by 9am without any fee

 After 9am the day of scheduled service or turned away upon arrival: Full Fee

Billing & Payment

*Acceptable forms of payment are cash or check payable to Emily Scanlon.

*Payment must be left on day of service or submitted via postal mail within 5 days following last visit to:

Emily Scanlon

Z.E.N. Pet Care

8000 Germantown Ave.  Apt. 2F

Philadelphia, PA  19118

*Pre-payment for regularly booked dog-walking clients is due on the first of each month (for monthly billing) or on Monday every other week (for bi-weekly billing).  An invoice will be e-mailed to you or left at your home (your choice!) prior to the payment due date.

*All special requests will be accommodated when possible and priced on an individual basis.

*Returned Check Fee: $25

*The following major holidays are billed at a weekend/off-hours rate:

New Years Eve & New Years Day

Easter Day

Memorial Day

Fourth of July

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Extreme Weather Policy

*In instances of excessive heat or severe cold, walks may be limited to 15 minutes for a half-hour visit or two 15 minute walks for an hour visit, with a break in the middle.  The rest of the time will be spent playing indoors or relaxing in a shady spot when it’s hot.  The safety of our pets and dog walkers is of the utmost importance, so when temperatures top 85 degrees or drop below 20 degrees we may limit walk time.

*Visits will be completed as scheduled in rain or shine, sleet or snow!  When car travel is compromised due to snow or flooding, the visit may be shortened to accommodate the extra time needed to get to and from each client.  If your pet does not like to go out in inclement weather, we will supplement a short walk with lots of indoor playtime and love.

Pet Care

*Mid-day dog walking clients are assigned a two-hour time slot during which we will arrive to care for your pet.  You can select 10am-12pm, 12-2pm or 2-4pm as your designated walk time.  Pet sitting visits will be scheduled according to your pet’s typical routine in hopes of keeping him/her happy and well-adjusted in your absence.   

*Generally, dogs are walked alone to ensure safety, provide effective training and guarantee personalized care.  Dogs within the same household will be walked together, but you can rest assured that there are no “group walks”.  Occasionally, only after working with a dog for a long time, we may match him/her up with a compatible playmate to provide companionship during some visits.  You may also request that your dog be walked with a buddy from his/her neighborhood and we will do our best to accommodate. 

*We understand that not all dogs are friendly all the time, and many dogs have “issues” which need special attention and training.  We do our best to work with every dog, regardless of breed, size, age or temperament and we are confident handling dogs with some level of aggression.  However, it is expected that you will address these concerns appropriately with a professional trainer.  If the dog shows aggression beyond what can be safely controlled by the caregiver, we may refuse future service.

*We will implement your training approach during all interactions with your pets.  However, any inhumane or abusive forms of training will not be condoned or utilized.  All service may be refused should we find your pet being improperly cared for or trained inappropriately. 

*It is requested that dogs receive a minimum of three visits within a 24-hour period (Z.E.N. pet sitting provides four) and that cats are visited a minimum of once per 24-hours.  Any partial days of pet sitting (i.e. leaving in the evening or returning in the afternoon) will be billed at a rate of $15 per visit.

*Medication Fee: $5

This applies to any medication which cannot be easily administered in food, water or a treat. 

*In the event that your pet has a medical emergency, we will seek treatment immediately with or without your consent.  We will contact you, as well as your provided emergency contact, to alert you of the situation.  We will do our best to bring your pet to his/her regular veterinarian, however sometimes time or distance constraints make this impossible, in which case the animal will be taken to the closest available vet for care.  The owner is responsible for all medical costs and fees, as well as compensation for our time and travel required to care for the pet.